Ahoj
/aˈɦoj/
The English phrase hello and goodbye is expressed in Czech as Ahoj.
Ahoj is a versatile word that functions as both a greeting when arriving and a farewell when leaving.
Which one should you use?
While Ahoj is informal, Dobrý den is the standard formal way to say hello in professional or polite settings. Čau is a common informal alternative to Ahoj, often used in similar social circles but with a slightly more colloquial feel in certain regions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ahoj is an informal greeting and farewell used primarily with friends, family and peers. For formal contexts, you should use Dobrý den (Good day), Dobré ráno (Good morning), Dobré odpoledne (Good afternoon) or Dobrý večer (Good evening). In informal settings, you might also use Čau to say bye.
Did you know?
- The word Ahoj is a maritime stowaway, having been borrowed directly from the English nautical shout 'Ahoy' used to hail ships.
- The word Čau is actually a phonetic adaptation of the Italian 'Ciao', which also serves the dual purpose of greeting and parting.
- In very traditional or old-fashioned Czech circles, using Ahoj with an elder or a superior is considered a significant social faux pas.
Examples in context
- To je skvělé. Nashledanou!That's great. Goodbye!
- Zní to dobře. Čau!Sounds nice. Bye!
- Ahoj, jak se máš?Hello, how are you?
- Ahoj, už musím jít.Hello, I have to go now.
- Ahoj všem, mějte se hezky!Hello everyone, have a nice time!
Example conversation
Jan and Lucie meet briefly on the street.
- JanAhoj, Lucie!Hello, Lucie!
- LucieAhoj, Jane! Co nového?Hello, Jan! What's new?
- JanVšechno v pořádku, ale spěchám.Everything is fine, but I'm in a hurry.
- LucieDobře, ahoj tedy!Okay, bye then!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry ahoj.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ahoj, CC BY-SA 4.0.
